The announcement came just weeks after the national team’s painful failure to secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a moment many had hoped would spark a resurgence rather than a farewell. Instead, it became the backdrop for one of the most significant exits in modern Super Eagles history.

Troost-Ekong’s journey with Nigeria began in 2015, and from the moment he stepped onto the pitch, he became a reliable pillar in defence.

Season after season, tournament after tournament, he carried the weight of leadership with a calm authority, reading games, marshalling the backline, and mentoring younger players who saw him as both guide and anchor.

His commitment to the national team was never in doubt. Whether lifting spirits in the dressing room or leading from the front on away grounds,

Ekong embodied the standards expected of a Super Eagles captain. And even now, with his boots hung up on the international stage, reports suggest he is not completely stepping away.

Instead, he may continue as a mentor or support figure, potentially travelling with the squad to AFCON 2025 as a respected non-playing presence.

In his own words, the defender captured the depth of what the journey meant to him:

“HONOURED. GRATEFUL. FOREVER A SUPER EAGLE 🦅🇳🇬 . Playing for Nigeria has been the greatest privilege of my life. The journey may end here, but my support never will. Here’s to the next chapter.”

For fans still processing the news, there’s no doubt that Troost-Ekong leaves behind more than just statistics; he leaves a legacy.

One built on passion, resilience, and loyal service to the badge. His retirement marks the close of a major chapter for the Super Eagles and perhaps the beginning of a new era as the team prepares to rebuild, adapt, and rise again.

 

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A post shared by William Troost-Ekong (M.O.N) (@wtroostekong)

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With the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers set to begin in March 2025, Nigeria’s new head coach, Eric Chelle, has announced his squad ahead of the crucial matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

The initial 30-man squad submitted by Chelle was later trimmed down to 23 players, with notable omissions including Maduka Okoye, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Ahmed Musa. Okoye, currently under investigation in Serie A, was left out, while Iheanacho and Musa also failed to make the final cut.

Chelle’s selection reflects a balanced mix of home-based and international players, signaling his intent to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level.

Goalkeepers:

• Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
• Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania)
• Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars, Nigeria)

Defenders:

• William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia)
• Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahçe, Turkey)
• Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos, Greece)
• Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England)
• Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)
• Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)

Midfielders:

• Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England)
• Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
• Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA)
• Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England)
• Joe Aribo (Southampton, England)
• Papa Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes, Nigeria)

Forwards:

• Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy)
• Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey)
• Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy)
• Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
• Moses Simon (Nantes, France)
• Sadiq Umar (Valencia, Spain)
• Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
• Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium)

With the qualifiers fast approaching, fans are eager to see how the Super Eagles will perform under Eric Chelle’s leadership as they set their sights on World Cup qualification.

23 for Rwanda & Zimbabwe WCQ #soarsupereagles pic.twitter.com/uVa61KUFC4

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) March 11, 2025

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The Super Eagles of Nigeria have unveiled a powerful squad for the November 2024 international break, gearing up for crucial matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda. With only one point needed to secure their place in the upcoming AFCON tournament, coach Austine Eguavoen has assembled a lineup of seasoned talents and emerging stars.

Among the notable inclusions is Sadiq Umar from Real Sociedad, marking his return to the national team alongside Gabriel Osho of Auxerre. Osho steps in to cover the absence of West Brom’s Semi Ajayi, who is sidelined due to injury, while Umar fills in for Taiwo Awoniyi, who didn’t make this squad.

In a significant development, Victor Collins of Nasarawa United has earned his first national call-up, creating healthy competition for the left-back position with Bruno Onemaechi.

The Super Eagles are set to capitalize on the three points they have been awarded from the previously abandoned Libya fixture, placing them just a step away from AFCON qualification.

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Amas Obasogie (Fasil Kenema SC, Ethiopia)

Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal); Gabriel Osho (AJ Auxerre, France); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Victor Collins (Nasarawa United)

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC. Italy); Frank Onyeka (Augsburg FC, Germany); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)

Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla FC, Spain); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain)

Roster for Benin Rep. & Rwanda Afcon Qualifiers #soarsupereagles pic.twitter.com/z7hS1Xqsbd

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) November 6, 2024

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on Nigeria Unveils Star-Studded Squad for November 2024 Internationals.

The 2024 CAF Awards are set to celebrate the year’s top achievements in African football, recognizing exceptional players and clubs across various categories in men’s and women’s competitions.

CAF has just released the full list of nominees who will vie for honours at the ceremony slated for December in Marrakesh, Morocco.

This prestigious annual event showcases Africa’s football talent, spotlighting standout players, teams, coaches, and emerging talents across multiple award categories.

The final contenders in each category reflect a blend of seasoned stars and breakout talents, highlighting those who have delivered exceptional performances in club and international competitions throughout the year. The event promises to be a thrilling showcase of African football’s finest talent.

Men’s National Team of the Year

• Angola
• Burkina Faso
• Ivory Coast
• DR Congo
• Morocco
• Mozambique
• Nigeria
• South Africa
• Sudan
• Uganda

Men’s Young Player of the Year

• Carlos Baleba
• Karim Konaté
• Oumar Diakite
• Yankuba Minteh
• Abdul Aziz Issah
• Bilal El Khannouss
• Eliesse Ben Seghir
• El Hadji Malick Diouf
• Lamine Camara
• Amanallah Memmiche

Men’s Interclub Player of the Year

• Oussama Benbot
• Issoufou Dayo
• Ahmed Sayed ‘Zizo’
• Hussein El Shahat
• Mostafa Shobeir
• Abdul Aziz Issah
• John Antwi
• Amanallah Memmiche
• Yassine Meriah
• Ronwen Williams

Men’s Player of the Year

• Ademola Lookman
• Amine Gouiri
• Achraf Hakimi
• Chancel Mbemba
• Ronwen Williams
• Sehoru Guirassy
• Simon Adingra
• Soufinane Rahimi
• William Troost-Ekoong

Men’s Club of the Year

• Petro Luanda
• TP Mazembe
• Al Ahly
• Zamalek
• Dreams FC
• RS Berkane
• Mamelodi Sundowns
• Simba SC
• Yanga
• Esperance de Tunis

Coach of the Year

• Pedro Gonçalves (Angola)
• Brahima Traore (Burkina Faso)
• Emerse Faé (Côte d’Ivoire)
• José Gomes (Zamalek)
• Marcel Koller (Al Ahly)
• Chiquinho (Mozambique)
• Hugo Broos (South Africa)
• Florent Ibenge (Al Hilal)
• Kwesi Appiah (Sudan)

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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced the postponement of the second leg match between Libya and Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The decision was communicated on October 15, 2024, the original date of the match.

CAF’s statement highlighted that the match will not occur as scheduled, indicating, “The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Qualifier fixture between Libya and Nigeria will not take place as scheduled tonight. The matter will be referred to the competent CAF bodies.”

This decision follows the Super Eagles of Nigeria’s announcement that they would forfeit the match due to delays experienced at the airport upon their arrival from Nigeria.

The players reported that they were not in the right mindset and were physically unprepared to compete.

Team captain William Troost-Ekong previously addressed the situation on social media, emphasizing that while football is fundamentally about respect for opponents, that respect must begin with respecting oneself and the circumstances surrounding the game.

He said,

12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Lybia after our plane was diverted whilst descending. Lybian government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason. They’ve locked the airport gates and left us without phone connection, food or drink. All to play mind games. I’ve experienced stuff before playing away in Africa but this is disgraceful behaviour. Even the Tunisian Pilot who thankfully managed to navigate the last minute change to an airport not fit for our plane to land had never seen something like this before.”

He added,

“Upon arrival he tried to find a nearby airport to rest with his crew to be denied at every hotel again under Government instruction. He could sleep there but NO NIGERIAN crew members allowed. They have returned to now sleep on the plane which is parked up. At this point we have called for our Nigerian Government to intervene and rescue us. As the captain together with the team we have decided that we will NOT play this game. CAF should look at the report and what is happening here. Even if they decide to allow.”

this kind of behaviour, let them have the points. We will not accept to travel anywhere by road here even with security it’s not safe. We can only imagine what the hotel or food would be like given to us IF we continued. We respect ourselves and respect our opponents when they are our guests in Nigeria. Mistakes happen but these things on purpose have nothing to do with int. football. We respect ourselves and respect our opponents when they are our guests in Nigeria. Mistakes happen but these things on purpose have nothing to do with int. football.”

However, both teams will wait for CAF’s final verdict to decide if the points will be awarded to Libya or Nigeria or if the game will be rescheduled.

CAF Media Statement on TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Fixture: Libya vs Nigeriahttps://t.co/9VHehOkJsy

— CAF Media (@CAF_Media) October 15, 2024

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Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has issued a strong message to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) regarding the team’s ongoing situation ahead of their AFCON 2025 qualifier against Libya.

The match, scheduled for Tuesday, October 15, 2024, has been clouded by controversy due to the Nigerian national team’s treatment in Libya.

Troost-Ekong expressed that the Super Eagles will not be participating in the match, citing multiple incidents designed to hinder the team’s preparation.

These incidents include the prolonged entrapment at the airport, and a lack of food, water, and basic amenities provided by Libyan authorities. The captain emphasized that these actions have left the team incapable of competing in the crucial fixture.

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has officially appealed to CAF through the appropriate channels, highlighting the unacceptable treatment the team has endured. Troost-Ekong’s statement underscores the Nigerian team’s refusal to play under such conditions, calling on CAF to address the matter and ensure fair play in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.

His statement on social media read, “12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Lybia after our plane was diverted whilst descending. Lybian government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason. They’ve locked the airport gates and left us without phone connection, food or drink. All to play mind games. I’ve experienced stuff before playing away in Africa but this is disgraceful behaviour. Even the Tunisian Pilot who thankfully managed to navigate the last minute change to an airport not fit for our plane to land had never seen something like this before.”

He went on to add, “Upon arrival he tried to find a nearby airport to rest with his crew to be denied at every hotel again under Government instruction. He could sleep there but NO NIGERIAN crew members allowed. They have returned to now sleep on the plane which is parked up. At this point we have called for our Nigerian Government to intervene and rescue us. As the captain together with the team we have decided that we will NOT play this game. CAF should look at the report and what is happening here. Even if they decide to allow.”

12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Lybia after our plane was diverted whilst descending. Lybian government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason. They’ve locked the airport gates and left us without phone connection, food or drink. All to play mind games.

— William Troost-Ekong (M.O.N) (@WTroostEkong) October 14, 2024

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on Nigeria vs Libya: Captain William Troost-Ekong sends message to the CAF.

Troost-Ekong, who has led the team in Musa’s absence over the past year, clarified that there is no issue or conflict over the captaincy.

Musa, who was named captain by former coach José Peseiro, has not featured prominently for the national team recently, including being an unused substitute during AFCON 2023.

However, with Musa’s return to the Nigerian Premier League and his availability for national duty, questions were raised about his leadership role.

Troost-Ekong expressed that the Super Eagles maintain mutual respect within the squad, and the captaincy issue is not a concern. As the team prepares for the double-header against Libya, the focus remains on securing qualification for AFCON 2025, with the leadership matter secondary to the collective goal of success.

“We’re happy he’s back,” Troost-Ekong said at media day in Ikot Ekpene.

“He’s still our captain and he’s welcome back any time.

“He’s our most capped player, a good role model, he’s a good leader and I am happy to deputise for him.”

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AC Milan forward Samuel Chukwueze has shared his thoughts on which of his current Super Eagles teammates he believes have the potential to become successful coaches after their playing careers.

Chukwueze played a prominent role for the Super Eagles of Nigeria in their commanding 6-0 victory over Sao Tome and Principe, scoring the final goal and contributing an assist for the fifth goal. Prior to the Sao Tome match, he participated in an engaging interview with FansTribe on YouTube.

In this interview, Chukwueze covered various aspects of his Super Eagles career and provided intriguing responses to several questions. However, the most noteworthy answer came when he was asked about his thoughts on his teammates’ coaching potential.

When asked about which of his teammates could potentially become great coaches in the future, the former Villarreal winger, Samuel Chukwueze, quickly singled out Leicester forward Kelechi Iheanacho and PAOK defender William Troost-Ekong as his choices.

Speaking to Football Fans’ Tribe, Chukwueze said, “Kelechi Iheanacho [would make a good coach], as he always talks about football and tactics and then William Paul Troost-Ekong because he’s a leader.”

Chukwueze’s endorsement of Iheanacho is based on the forward’s experience playing under the guidance of one of the great tactical minds of this generation, Pep Guardiola, during his time at Manchester City. This background in a top footballing environment suggests Iheanacho’s coaching prospects hold promise.

In the case of Troost-Ekong, his leadership qualities were evident when he was appointed captain during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

These attributes make Chukwueze believe that Troost-Ekong has the potential to excel as a coach in the future.

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The Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro, is confident that his team will triumph in their friendly match against the Desert Foxes of Algeria on Tuesday (today).

The African giants will clash at the Miloud Hadefi Stadium, Oran. Kick-off is 8 pm Nigeria time.

In their last three matches against the North Africans, Peseiro’s team has failed to secure a victory. The Portuguese, however, was confident that his team could break the dry spell.

Peseiro told NFF TV:

“We trained well, we have been trying to introduce some new dynamics, some new methods that will be good for our team. The players have adapted well. The players have adapted well both on and off the pitch, We are going to play against a good team, it won’t be easy but we have quality. We will fight hard to beat them,”

Peseiro will miss the services of some of his key players in the game.

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Assistant captain, William Troost-Ekong returned to England last Saturday after sustaining an injury in the test game against Algeria’s home-based team. The midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi spent only two days in camp before returning to his club over a hamstring issue.

The likes of captain Ahmed Musa, Leon Balogun, Samuel Chukwueze and Emmanuel Dennis all pulled out of the game as a result of injury.

Former Venezuela and Saudi Arabia tactician, however, insisted his side can cope with their absence.

“We believe in the players that are here, we believe in their abilities. They know what to do and we believe in them.

“I have confidence in them that they will do well. We have enough quality in our team to cope with the absence of those who are not here,” he added.

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